In Windows, you can easily view your IP address by typing cmd into the Start Menu to open a command prompt, then typing ipconfig. This will bring up configuration info for all network adapters on your machine (such as Ethernet and wireless), letting you view the IP address and more for each one.

On a network, you can release this IP address and get a new one by typing ipconfig /release, followed by ipconfig /renew.

If you’d like to set a static IP instead being assigned one each time you connect, open the Start Menu and type Network and Sharing Center to launch this menu. Where you see Connections, click the blue text next to that (probably Wi-Fi).

Click Properties on the window that results and finally double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4. Here you can manually punch in an IP address that this device will always use, even after a reboot. Make sure you check the box to Validate settings upon exit so that if you put in a bad address, it lets you know right away.

Ben is a Deputy Editor at MakeUseOf. He holds a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from Grove City College, where he graduated Cum Laude and with Honors in his major. He enjoys helping others and is passionate about video games as a medium.